I sat next to Cristiano in the ice baths but he didn't say much... the story of the Scotland teenager making waves at Real Madrid

John Harper was Christmas shopping in Malaga when he received a phone call. He was unsurprisingly taken aback; it was from Real Madrid.

The nine-time European champions wanted to discuss his son Jack and open negotiations for a new five-year deal for the 16-year-old. John quickly packed his bags and was on the next train to Madrid.

Originally from Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, John Harper moved to Fuengirola in Spain 18 years ago with his wife Tracy. His son Jack was born in February 1996 and to this day, the family still reside on the Costa Del Sol.

In action: Jack Harper playing for Scotland's Under 17 side last year

Jack Harper’s path in football began with local club Los Boliches, where his class was visible straight away. His touch, skill on the ball and vision was outstanding for someone of his age and La Liga clubs began circling. Both Sevilla and Almeria allowed Harper to train with them but Real Madrid scouts were also regulars at his games and had seen enough. They offered a three-week trial in the summer of 2009 and he moved to their academy.

Harper could be described as something of a traditional No 10, starting attacks from an advanced midfield role, cutting in from the left. He is blessed with the rare ability to create openings for his team-mates, as well as scoring spectacular goals. He is already top scorer for Real’s Under 17 side this season having led the way last season with 25.

Real Madrid and his family have been quick to ensure that Harper isn’t too overawed by the increased exposure which his performances have naturally attracted.

Early in his Castilla career, his coach Santiago Sanchez had no doubt that the 16-year-old would go all the way to the top: 'He has a lot of talent and, while he has a lot of developing to do, I really believe he will play for Real Madrid in years to come.'

His father John was similarly optimistic, as well as offering a note of caution: 'Jack left home at the age of 13 to be schooled by Real but at that age you never know how it will go in terms of development.

'But now he has the security of a long-term deal.Jack can now chase his dream of playing in the first team for Real as the contract underlines the club’s belief in him.'

Harper Jnr quickly settled and has thrived in his new environment, enjoying the opportunity to mix with the illustrious names of the first team squad.

Friendly face: Hamit Altintop helped Jack in his early days in Spain

He said: 'It’s a special feeling to see the Real first-team players as that’s where you want to be in a couple of years.

'You see them about the training ground and in the gym and they are always polite. I sat next to Cristiano in the ice baths last year but he never said much.

'I speak to a lot of the Spanish players like Iker Casillas. They know what it’s like to be in the academy.

'They’ve all been helpful and I was really good friends with Hamit Altintop when he was here. He loves Scotland and was great with me.'

His profile on Real Madrid’s official website describes him as a: ‘technically excellent player. Jack is highly imaginative and capable of surprising opposing defenders. He is intelligent and positions himself well inside the box’.

There is an understandable sense of pride from the Spanish club that one of the most talented young players in the country is on their books. However, despite being eligible to represent his country of birth, the club are aware that Harper has chosen to follow his native roots and play for Scotland at international level.

Having failed to qualify for a major international tournament since 1998, Scottish fans could be forgiven for lowering their expectations somewhat.

After the disastrous Berti Vogts era, the three-year period of Walter Smith and particularly Alex McLeish offered brief hope, but that has since been drained away by Craig Levein’s recent reign.

The Tartan Army’s qualification campaign for Brazil 2014 looks bleak, if not a near-impossibility, and the new manager Gordon Strachan will be realistically looking at Euro 2016 as a fresh start. By then, Jack Harper will be 20 years old.

He could be the solace Scottish football has been searching for since 1998.

All smiles: Harper has become a regular in the Scotland youth set-up

The teenager was called up to Scotland’s Under 15 side in April 2010 and has been a regular at Under 17 get-togethers ever since. SFA performance director Mark Wotte has visited Madrid on numerous occasions to keep tabs on him, spending time at the Ciudad Real Madrid complex and keeping in contact with the youth chief Ramon Martinez.

Harper was understandably proud. 'The fact that Mark has taken the time to come out and speak to me is very encouraging and makes me realise how serious I am about playing for Scotland.

'It would be absolutely amazing to play for Scotland and it is my goal in life is to reach a World Cup and represent my home nation.

'Even though I live in Spain, I feel Scottish - so I want to make my family proud and play for my country.'

Wotte was equally enthusiastic about the prospect of Harper turning out for Scotland.

Bright future: Harper joins the likes of Chelsea's Islam Feruz as one of those expected to shine for Scotland

'Jack has been playing for Real Madrid's Under 16s and we believe he's performing very well.

'I believe it is important we check on those players who qualify for Scotland, wherever they might be.

'There are possibilities for Jack with our under 17 side coached by Dean Gorré. We cannot ignore the fact we have an available Scottish player at the Real academy.'

His father has always been adamant that there was no other choice for his son.

He has said: 'It will always be Scotland for Jack, I’m old school. I’ve told my boys their dad would love to see a Scotland cap on his mantelpiece one day.'

Remember the name: Jack Harper is expected to enjoy a fine career

And if all goes well, there could be more than one Harper with a cap on the family mantelpiece in the future. Jack is the middle child of three brothers. His brother Ryan played for Real Betis B and has since moved to Segunda Division side Guadalajara, whilst his youngest brother, Mac, plays for Fuengirola's Under 14 side.

The young Harpers join a crop of exciting talent emerging for Scotland. Players who will be in their prime by 2016 such as Steven Fletcher, James Morrison and Jordan Rhodes, could find themselves lining up with the likes of Chelsea Under 18 forward Islam Feruz; who was poached from Celtic’s youth set up, West Bromwich Albion's Scott Allan and Celtic’s James Forrest.

Suddenly, there is genuine hope for European Championship qualification in 2016. A lot of hope rests on young, metaphorical shoulders. But to steal Clive Tyldesley’s quote from 2002 about a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney - remember the name: Jack Harper.